Apparatus for and method of holding an article

ABSTRACT

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for (and a method of) holding information storage media or other articles is provided in which a holder (or other structure) is composed of a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel, a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having at least one holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media or other articles. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the holder (or other structure) is adapted to receive a security device which holds at least two of the panels in a closed configuration when installed in the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the security device is composed of first and second arms and each of the two of the panels has an aperture for receiving a respective arm. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means on at least one of the panels is adapted to receive an arm of the security device so as to prevent release of storage media therefrom until the security device is withdrawn therefrom.

This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 0428340.4, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

There are many different forms of holders for holding information storage media. Containers are preferred for holding storage media in many applications as they enclose the contents and house it securely. Some are in the form of a container having a base portion and a lid portion which are connected together by a hinge portion so they can be pivoted towards or away from each other to close or open the container. Such containers may include holding means therein for holding one or more items. The holding means may be provided on a tray mounted within the container or may be integrally formed with the base portion and/or the lid portion. Other forms of holder comprise a tray with holding means thereon, one or more such trays being mounted on a foldable backing sheet. Various configurations and folding arrangements are known.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for (and a method of) holding information storage media or other articles is provided in which a holder (or other structure) is composed of a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel, a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having at least one holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media or other articles.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the holder (or other structure) is adapted to receive a security device which holds at least two of the panels in a closed configuration when installed in the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the security device is composed of first and second arms and each of the two of the panels has an aperture for receiving a respective arm. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means on at least one of the panels is adapted to receive an arm of the security device so as to prevent release of storage media therefrom until the security device is withdrawn therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments, implementations and applications of the invention should be apparent from the disclosure herein, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings depicting exemplary embodiments or implementations of preferred embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a view from the front of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention shown in the open position;

FIG. 2 is a view from the rear of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a cover sheet on the rear face thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a partially folded position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 3 showing the folded apparatus just prior to being fully closed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus as shown in the preceding figures in a fully closed position with a cover sheet on the rear face thereof; and

FIGS. 6A to 6D are schematic drawings of apparatus indicating alternative arrangements for housing different numbers of disks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments, implementations, and applications of the invention will now be described. Other embodiments, implementations and applications of the invention may be realized and changes may be made to those disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein have been particularly described as applied to the field of housing, storing, retaining or otherwise holding disk-like storage media, it should be readily apparent that the invention may be embodied for any article (of any shape or purpose) having the same or similar problems.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, is composed of a first panel 1, a second panel 2 and a third panel 3. The first panel 1 is integrally connected by a first spine portion 4 to a first edge 2A of the second panel 2. The third panel 3 is integrally connected by a second spine portion 5 to a second edge 2B of the second panel 2. The spine portion 4, 5 are attached to the adjacent panels. In this exemplary embodiment, the spine portion 4, 5 is preferably attached by “living hinges,” i.e. a relatively thin line of material which forms a fold line or hinge therebetween.

The third panel 3 is foldable forwards (in the position shown in FIG. 1) about the second spine portion 5 so as to overlay the second panel 2. The first panel 1 is foldable forwards about the first spine portion 4 so as to overlay the third panel 3 (when the third panel 3 is overlaying the second panel 2). The third panel 3 is thus sandwiched between the first and second panels 1, 2.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 (as well as in FIGS. 2-5), each of the panels 1, 2, 3 is provided with holding means integrally formed thereon for holding a disk-like article such as information storage media in the form of a CD or DVD. Although any holding means known in the art may be utilized (applying to any shape or form of article), the illustrated holding means is composed of a hub 1E, 2E, 3E for releasably engaging the central aperture of a disk and a circular surround 1F, 2F, 3F which extends around the periphery of a disk mounted on the respective hub. A more detailed description of an exemplary hub and surround that may be used is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,788,068 and 6,502,694, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

It should be readily apparent that the hub may be used alone or in combination with any surround (or other structure), and likewise, the surround may be used alone or in any combination with any hub (or other structure) known in the art. The holding means, for example, may be implemented with edge holders for releasably holding a disk at its periphery in which case a hub need not necessarily be provided. Indeed, any type of structure for housing, storing, retaining or otherwise holding an article may be used in implementing the invention.

It should further be noted that each of the holding means (e.g., hubs and/or surrounds, etc.) on the respective panels 1, 2, 3 need not be similar. For example, in implementations in which the hubs are located face-to-face when the apparatus is closed (e.g., the hub 2E and 3E in FIG. 1) a type of hub which will not accidentally interact or release the other hub is preferred, whereas the hub 1E which is located against the rear face of panel 3 in the closed position is not subject to this constraint. For example, the hubs on the panels may be arranged so that they are offset from each other in order to help avoid one hub interacting with that on the opposite panel.

Moreover, as schematically shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, one or more of the holding means may be omitted. In particular, FIG. 6A shows three holding means as in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6B, the holding means on the third panel 3 is omitted. In FIG. 6C, the holding means on the second panel 2 is omitted. In FIG. 6D, the holding means on both the second and third panels 2, 3 is omitted.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 3-5 illustrate additional aspects of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, FIG. 3 shows the apparatus in a partially folded position. The third panel 3 has been rotated approximately 135 degrees about the second spine portion 5 relative to the second panel 2. The first panel 1 has been rotated approximately 90 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2.

FIG. 4 shows the apparatus in a folded position just prior to being fully closed. The third panel 3 has been folded a further 45 degrees about the second spine portion 5 so as to lie face-to-face with the second panel 2. The first panel 1 has been rotated approximately a further 60 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows the apparatus in the fully closed position after the first panel 2 has been rotated a further 30 degrees about the first spine portion 4 relative to the second panel 2 so the front face of the first panel 1 lies against the rear face of the third panel 3.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5 is held in the closed position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus is held in the closed position by two pairs of mutually engageable members 1G, 2G and 1H, 2H. Each pair is preferably composed of a first member 1G, 1H provided on the first panel and a second member 2G, 2H provided on the second panel. The first and second members may, for example, be small ridges that snap over each other or a projection and recess which fit into each other.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5 may be provided with a security device for use in holding, locking or otherwise securely maintaining the apparatus in the closed position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the security device is provided in the form of locking member 10 (FIG. 1), as described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/416,767 (corresponding to International Patent Publication No. WO02/39451), the '767 application and '451 publication are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, although various mechanisms may be used in implementing the invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the security member 10 may also be used for locking a disk to the apparatus. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the security member 10 operates to lock a disk to the first panel 1.

Preferably, the security member 10 is composed of a short arm 10A for engaging in slots 11 and 3I in the first and third panel 3, and a long arm 10B for engaging in a slot 1J in the first panel (FIGS. 3 and 4). The short and long arms 10A, 10B preferably extend substantially parallel to each other from a head portion 10C which, in the locked position (as shown in FIG. 5), fits within a recess 1K in an upstanding wall of the first panel 1 (FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the security member 10 is preferably inserted into the apparatus substantially parallel to the length of the spine portion 4 (rather than perpendicular thereto), and the hub 1E is preferably orientated so as to receive the distal end of the long arm 10B of the security member. As discussed in more detail in the '767 application (and '451 publication), this preferable construction enables a disk to be locked on the hub 1E. The security member 10 may also be provided with a releasable locking arrangement. An exemplary arrangement which may be used is described in the '767 application (and '451 publication).

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the second and third panels are each provided with top and bottom walls 2L, 2M, 3L and 3M which abut against each other when the third panel lies over the second panel, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Preferably, however, the first panel has deeper top and bottom walls 1L, 1M which fit over the top and bottom walls of the second and third panels in the closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. A side edge 1N of the first panel may also be provided, as illustrated, with a recess 1P to assist a user in opening the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, the first spine portion 4 is wider than the second spine portion 5 as the first spine portion 4 has a width corresponding to the combined thickness of the first, second and third panels. The second spine portion 5, however, has a width corresponding only to the combined thickness of the second and third panels.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the illustrated apparatus retains the simplicity of being formed as an integral molding, i.e., with the panels thereof and the holding means thereon being formed as a single molding. Preferably, the apparatus is formed of a plastics material (e.g., polypropylene) and formed by injection molding (e.g., in a one shot molding process). The apparatus as thus formed provides flexibility in design by being composed of at least 3 foldable panels each of which may have holding means thereon. Thus, a holder is provided composed of at least 3 panels with holding means thereon and which is foldable to form a container, all constructed as a one-piece molding. The security member 10, however, is preferably provided as a separate component. In addition to the advantages apparent from the description above, such a one-piece molding for a multi-article apparatus has the advantages of strength, durability, ease of manufacture, ability to be recycled, and others.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with a cover (or the like) which extends across the rear face of one or more of the panels. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cover may be a sleeve, plastic sheet, or film attached at its ends to the first and third panels for receiving a paper insert, e.g., providing details of the data/film, etc. stored on the disk(s) housed in the container. Preferably, the film employed is clear plastic similar to that used on existing 2-panel CD or DVD containers, but extends across the back of all three panels and hence also across the back of both the first and second spine portions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the holding means 1E, 2E, 3E each positioned in an exemplary position towards the lower end of the panels 1, 2, 3. One advantage of this configuration is that it leaves a space at the upper end of each panel which can also be used for promotional graphics (which may be molded in the panels). It should be readily apparent that the holding means may be alternatively positioned in any location on any given panel or combination of panels, and that more than one holding means may be included on one or more panels.

In an exemplary commercial application, the illustrated embodiment can be implemented with three panels typically having a thickness when closed of about 20-25 cm (compared to a known 2-panel CD/DVD container which has a thickness of about 10-15 mm).

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it should be apparent that many modifications to the embodiments and implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. An alternative arrangement may be implemented, for example, wherein the third panel 3 is foldable forwards about the second spine portion 5 so as to overlay one side of the second panel 2 and the first panel 1 is foldable backwards about the first spine portion 4 so as to overlay the other side of the second panel 2 so the second panel 2 is sandwiched between the first and third panels (in which case the holding means may be provided on the rear face of the first panel 1). In other embodiments or arrangements, the first and/or third panels may be connected to the second panel by spine portions along other edges thereof. For example, the third panel may be connected to the second panel by a spine portion along the upper edge thereof or both the first and a third panels may be connected to the second panel along the shorter (i.e., top and bottom) edges thereof.

Any number of alternative arrangements or configurations may be employed. For example, one or more of the panels may have at least one upstand along an edge thereof to form side walls of said container in the closed configuration, and the first and second edges of the second panel may be opposite edges thereof. At least two of the panels may have holding means integrally formed thereon for holding information storage media adjacent said panel. Although the preferred arrangement illustrated herein utilizes three panels, it should be apparent that any number of panels may be used. Preferably, the panels fold over each other in a manner such that one of the panels is sandwiched between two other panels, where the outer panels form a container about the other panels.

In addition, multiple disks can be stored in containers such as the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 by providing an extra leaf which is removeably mounted therein, e.g., to the internal surface of the hinge portion thereof. Alternatively, multiple disks may be mounted so as to partially overlap with each other, as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,390, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Although embodiments, implementations and applications of the invention have been specifically illustrated herein as applied to the housing, storing, retaining or other holding of disk-like recording mediums, the invention may easily be deployed or embodied to hold other articles in any shape or form.

It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that method steps inherent or apparent from the disclosure herein of various physical structures, components, or parts thereof may be implemented using the disclosed or any other structures, components or parts in accordance with the invention. Detailed descriptions of such method steps therefore need not be provided herein.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments, implementations, and applications of the invention disclosed (or apparent from the disclosure) herein, but only limited by the claims appended hereto. 

1. Apparatus for holding information storage media or other articles, comprising a first panel integrally connected by a first spine portion to a first edge of second panel a second edge of which is integrally connected by a second spine portion to a third panel, the third panel being foldable about the second spine portion so as to overlay the second panel and the first panel being foldable about the first spine portion so as to overlay the third panel (when it overlays the second panel) or so as to overlay the second panel, one or more of the panels having holding means integrally formed therein for holding information storage media or other articles.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the holding means is adapted for holding a disk.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the holding means comprises a hub onto which the disk can be mounted via its central aperture.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the holding means comprises a surround for extending around the periphery of a disk.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each of the three panels is provided with holding means.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the first and second edges of the second panel are opposite each other.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which in the closed position the third panel is sandwiched between the first and second panels.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the first and second panels are provided with mutually engageable fastening members for holding the apparatus in the closed configuration.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which is adapted to receive a security member for locking it in the closed position.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the first and third panels have apertures for receiving first and second arms of a security member.
 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 having a transparent sleeve which extends across the rear face of all three panels.
 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the panels and holding means are formed of a plastics material in one piece.
 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 formed by injection-molding. 